Teneille Nuggins

Guugu Yimithirr / Dingaal ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Teneille was born in Brisbane and is a proud member of the Dingaal Warra Clan. She speaks Guugu Yimithirr and carries the spirit of the stingray as her totem. Residing in Hopevale, she has nurtured her passion for painting since childhood, which blossomed at the Hopevale Arts Centre. There, she began bringing to life the rich stories passed down by her elders using her experience and interpretation.
Her creativity extends beyond painting. Teneille crafts beautiful jewellery from recycled materials and pandanus, and she also works in textile design. She finds inspiration in the Gumba Gumba, her elders at the Arts Centre, who share their wisdom and help refine her artistic skills. Painting on linen, canvas, MDF board and paper, she uses acrylics and ink to infuse her artwork with symbolism and totems, creating pieces that resonate deeply with her heritage.